Most people know that it is important to get enough minerals in their diet. They go out of their way to get plenty of calcium and iron. However, many other minerals are needed to stay healthy and few people know of their many benefits. Magnesium is one mineral that many people neglect. Unfortunately, 61% of American adults do not get adequate magnesium to satisfy the US RDA. Using a magnesium supplement would provide a number of benefits to these adults.

Magnesium is best known for its role in preventing and reversing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. Magnesium assists the body absorb and use calcium. It also affects the various hormones in the body that influence bone density and calcium absorption. Getting plenty of magnesium helps increase bone density but helping the body utilize calcium more efficiently. Excess calcium can migrate into the muscles, leading to cramps and pain. It can also move into the kidneys where it solidifies forming kidney stones. Getting adequate magnesium makes sure that more of this calcium is used and may help prevent kidney stones.

Magnesium also helps control high blood pressure. Magnesium does this by relaxing smooth muscles in the arteries that cause them to dilate. Studies suggest that through this action and its ability to work with potassium to manage blood pressure, magnesium helps to prevent hypertension.

Adult-onset or type 2 diabetes also seem to be be affected by magnesium deficiency. The break down of carbohydrates in the body requires magnesium. If there is a lack of magnesium, insulin resistance can result. This is a state in which the enzyme used by the body to balance our blood sugar does not work properly. More insulin becomes necessary to change the level of blood sugar. This often is a precursor condition to full type 2 diabetes. Getting sufficient magnesium increases the efficiency of carbohydrate metabolism and prevents the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Since magnesium has such an effect on diabetes and hypertension, it only seems natural that it would be a factor in cardiovascular health as well. Indeed, it is. Low magnesium is often associated with irregular heart rhythms. Sufficient levels of magnesium also help prevent abnormal clotting of the blood in the heart. Several studies have suggested that magnesium supplements can help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease and may help patients recover from strokes and heart attacks.

Much of the population does not get enough magnesium. This mineral influences a number of vital processes and in the body. This makes it one of the more important minerals of which to get an adequate amount. Supplementation is an excellent way to receive the many health benefits magnesium provides. A recommended supplemental amount of magnesium is twice the amount as any calcium supplements. Another recommendation is to use liquid mineral supplements. Liquid minerals are much more readily absorbed by the body and make a far greater amount of the magnesium available for use by the body's cells. Don't you owe it to yourself to make sure you benefit from the correct level of magnesium?